Become a SAR Member
Give back to the community by helping those in need
Get Involved
Applications for the 2025/26 intake are now closed.
If you're still interested in joining BVSAR, please express your interest by filling out the form on our Contact Us page
Step 1:
Submit an Application
- Your first step is completion of the BVSAR application form, as well as requesting a driver’s abstract from ICBC, and a criminal record check from the RCMP.
- Once submitted you will receive an email from BVSAR.
Step 2:
Attend an Interview
- We want to meet you! You will meet with a BVSAR member and you will learn what is involved in becoming a member.
Step 3:
Successful Candidates
- Assuming all goes well, you will be invited for a “Meet and Greet” at the hall with several members of the team to start the on-boarding process.
Step 4:
Attend a GSAR intake course
- Successful applicants will be commencing approximately 100-hours of training in the Ground Search and Rescue program.
- The GSAR Program will include substantial reading to prepare for the course, theoretical and hands-on training, as well as several practical evaluations of the skills taught.
Step 5:
Probationary Period
- Your first 6 months will be in the role of either a Non-Operational or Operational Support Member
- Another meeting will happen at the 3-month mark of your probation to touch base with how things are going. You may apply for the Ground Search and Rescue Program (GSAR) after this time.
- All applicants must be at least 19 years of age as of the start of the GSAR program.
What is a BVSAR Member?
Non-Operatoinal and Opertional Members
There's a role for everyone!
We have a variety of positions that keep BVSAR operating from radio operators, AdventureSmart presenters, finances, IT systems and more. This is on top of all the SAR volunteers that head into the field to perform Search and Rescues. If you have have a skil, and time you are willing to commit to SAR there is a role for everyone!
Time
We need members who are able to make Search and Rescue a priority, and commit the time, energy, and passion needed to do this job well.
Committment
Search and Rescue will take whatever time you’re willing to give it. In addition to our tasks, which happen at all hours, there is a ton of work involved in training, meetings, maintenance, and other tasks to keep this whole thing going.
Fitness and Skill
You don’t need to be a mountain-climbing ultra-marathoner, but we will expect you to tromp through the bush, carry a stretcher, and hike up some hills at a reasonable pace.
There are a wide variety of skills that can lend themselves well to SAR including: advanced medical training, leadership experience, comfort with computer mapping tools, and general outdoor survival skills.
We also welcome people with experience in our specialty fields like mountaineering, swiftwater travel, climbing experience, or other specialized outdoor skills.
Don’t feel like you need to be an expert mountaineer to apply though, if you have time and drive, we’ll get you trained up!
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
What training or skills are required to be accepted into BVSAR?
While many of our members bring a suite of outdoor and other relevant skills, these are not necessary to be accepted. BVSAR strongly values members with leadership, dedication and strong interpersonal skills who are readily available to support search and rescue as well as day-to-day association activities.
The Justice Institute of British Columbia’s (JIBC) Ground Search and Rescue training program is the foundation of becoming a GSAR member and is delivered locally by BVSAR. This provides students with the necessary practical experience in emergency response, search methodologies, navigation, survival and related skills. The training and testing culminates in a final 24 hour skills and survival test. Once a volunteer is certified in GSAR, further training may be available in advanced skills such as Rope or Swiftwater rescue, tracking, or first aid, to name a few. Eligibility for participation in advanced training may have additional pre-requisites.
I am interested in becoming an Auxiliary Support member?
Supporting BVSAR takes a wide variety of skills that may be undertaken by GSAR or non-GSAR members ranging from web-site design, data entry/database management, hall/equipment maintenance, fundraising to membership on our Board of Directors. To be considered for Auxiliary membership, applicants must demonstrate strong initiative, have relevant specialty skills and prior volunteer experience. Note that acceptance as an Auxiliary does not guarantee future acceptance into the GSAR program.
How much time does it take up?
As much as you are willing to put in. We train once a month for general training and specialty training trains more frequently. There are also other non related events like organizing the Banff Mountain Film Festival, social events, etc that will take up your time. This is all on top of the task that we get called out on!
How often is the team called out?
On average we get 20-30 calls a year that can vary from a couple hours to days depending on the type of call out.
What area does the team cover?
We cover a large area surrounding and including the Bulkley Valley. We also perform mutual aid to all teams across North West BC and sometimes to the southern half of the province when requested.
Do you get paid?
No. Everybody is a volunteer, providing their own time for training and searches. In addition everyone provides their own personal equipment. Some expenses are paid, such as gas for driving to a search site. However almost everything else is paid for by the team members themselves.